A free classical concert for the public and their pooches will benefit Animal Welfare League of Arlington and Arlington Philharmonic
The 2nd Annual Pops for Pets performed by Arlington Philharmonic in partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington will take place at Lubber Run Amphitheater on Sunday, June 28 at 6p.m. Conducted by A. Scott Wood, the concert will include a mix of patriotic and contemporary sets from the Armed Forces Salute to Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings.
“Supporters of the Philharmonic and AWLA are joining together once again to promote this extraordinary community concert,” said Pat Ragan, AWLA board member. “We look forward to celebrating the work of the Arlington Philharmonic and AWLA with another great audience this year.”
The musical set will include pops and a variety of light classical pieces by John Stafford Smith, Johann Strauss II, Manuel de Falla, Richard Rodgers, Howard Shore, as well as a special rendition of Aaron Copeland’s Lincoln Portrait, narrated by Arlington County Board Member and Pops for Pets Honorary Chair, Jay Fisette. Fisette’s dog, Cassie, Pops for Pets Co-chair will be by his side. Conductor Wood’s dog, Pixie, an AWLA alum, will serve as the mascot for the event. Accentuating the evening will be a stage appearance of adoptable dogs from AWLA.
“The Pops for Pets concert is another way to bring the lighter side of classical music to Arlingtonians,” said John Ratigan, president of the Arlington Philharmonic. “Having it in a great location like Lubber Run puts us in a different location and our partnership with AWLA brings the Philharmonic to a different segment of our audience. We proved last year that the pops concert is a great summertime event for Arlington.”
“Over 3,000 companion animals benefit from AWLA each year with 96 percent of sheltered animals adopted into loving homes, reunited with their owner or transferred to one of our rescue partners,” said Neil Trent, president & CEO, AWLA. “Partnering with the Arlington Philharmonic is an exciting opportunity to bring our community together to revel in the special joy that only music and the companionship of a pet can bring.”
The event is open to the public and folks are encouraged to pack a picnic. Well-mannered dogs are welcome—please no retractable leashes. Dogma Bakery & Boutique will be handing out complimentary frozen treats for accompanying canine friends. A gift certificate from Fur-Get-Me-Not for pet services and a pink ukulele from Foxes Music Company will be raffled off during the event. A $20 suggested donation will benefit AWLA and Arlington Philharmonic. A rain date has been set for Wednesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. For more information visit, www.awla.org.
Special thanks to Pops for Pets presenting sponsors: Pegasus Foundation, Pettus Crowe Foundation and Segue Technology
